The team is redefining what it means to show up for their community in Louisiana.

Since launching their spay/neuter program in 2023, Hayes Veterinary Hospital has spayed and neutered more than 1,700 dogs and cats and counting, ensuring shelter animals are cared for before adoption.

They partner with a network of local shelters and rescues in Canada, New York, Rhode Island, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Connecticut, providing everything from vaccines and heartworm treatment to surgeries, dental care, and urgent medical needs.

They recently helped their local animal shelter in DeRidder, Louisiana, do something it hadn't done in over ten years: find a home for every single pet.

But the numbers only tell part of the story.

The Hayes Veterinary team lending a hand for one of the rescue transports

One stray, one second chance

A 9-pound Terrier Mix, later named Tiny Tim, was found on the side of the road in critical condition and brought straight to Hayes Veterinary Hospital, where the team sedated him, cleaned his wounds, and started him on pain management. In the weeks that followed, he needed medicated baths several times a week and around-the-clock care. Hospital Manager Crystal Thielepape cared for him herself until he was healthy enough to be adopted.

"Every day, we have the opportunity to help animals who have been neglected or let down by people,” she said. “I'm beyond grateful to be part of a community that continually comes together to give these animals a second chance."

Tiny Tim's transformation

When animal control calls, Hayes Vet answers

The team's commitment extends beyond shelter walls. Local Animal Control Officers also rely on the Hayes Veterinary Hospital team for cruelty cases. They will respond on scene or meet officers at the shelter to assess what care is needed, including for large animals.

In one of their most recent cases, Dr. Ethan Reeves examined a horse that had been tied to a tree with no shelter, no fresh water, and no food or grass within reach.

For Dr. Reeves, cases like this connect directly to his purpose as a veterinarian. "Shelter medicine and rescue allows me to provide care to some of the most vulnerable animal populations while creating meaningful impact in the community. Through vaccinations, spay and neuter programs, and early intervention, we can reduce suffering before it begins."

The horse has been in Hospital Manager Crystal Thielepape's care for the past three weeks, and the transformation has been remarkable.

When Dr. Reeves responded to the call, this is what he found

"At Hayes Veterinary Hospital, every animal matters," she said. "Our commitment remains unwavering: we will continue to advocate, care, and fight for those who cannot speak for themselves and will not stop until every animal has the loving home it deserves."

Dr. Reeves examining a rescue pup